Doctors join PSA in "Black march" in San Fernando

Doctors and other health care providers joined the Public Services Association (PSA) in San Fernando Monday for the PSA's "Black March" to protest the government's offer of a five per cent increase for public sector workers over a three-year period.

The medical personnel are angry over the suspension of their colleagues who were involved in the treatment of a patient at the San Fernando General Hospital who died earlier this month following a cesarean section. The PSA represents nurses at the hospital.

Last week Finance Minister Winston Dookeran referred the PSA wage matter to a special tribunal which will make a binding judgement in the matter.

PSA President Watson Duke urged workers to continue their protest until all public servants get what he called their just dues.

"They want to see you beg and we want to see everybody in the People's Partnership beg. There is no friendship with that. And who vex, vex but the PSA will make no apology for that. Let them come on their knees and beg us. We will have mercy."